News Details

Port of Long Beach and Yantian Terminals Sign “Green” Pact

Two major ports agree to first comprehensive environmental accord

June 13, 2007

SHENZHEN, China – Officials from the Port of Long Beach and Port of Shenzhen terminal operator Yantian International Container Terminals (YICT) – two of the world’s most environmentally friendly seaport entities – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to exchange technical information on their best environmental policies and practices.

"These are two leaders in environmental port policies agreeing to work together to make their ports the ‘greenest’ in the world," said Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster in Shenzhen on a trade mission with members of the Port of Long Beach’s Board of Harbor Commissioners.

The Port of Long Beach, part of the world’s fifth busiest container cargo port complex, has pioneered environmental stewardship with its landmark Green Port Policy. YICT – part of the world’s fourth busiest port complex – also has enacted trailblazing environmental policies and programs.

"As a world-class port, we recognize our social responsibility and the importance of safeguarding the environment," said Kenneth Tse, YICT director and general manager. "By working closely with the "green" Port of Long Beach, we can both implement better long-term, sustainable strategies to ensure environmental protection in all our commercial activities."

With the first comprehensive ecological exchange agreement between major ports, YICT and the Port of Long Beach will collaborate on environmental issues such as marine wildlife, air quality, soils and sediments, water quality, sustainability and community engagement. The accord covers the exchange of technical information on improving air quality, the establishment of joint delegations to study port emissions and pollutants, as well as the ongoing development of control measures and best practices surrounding port and urban sustainability policies.

"By working closely together, our goal is to raise the bar even higher," said Long Beach Harbor Commission President James Hankla.

The Port of Long Beach and YICT are among the most respected environmental port stewards. The Port of Long Beach earned the American Association of Port Authorities’ top environmental award, the Comprehensive Environmental Management Award of Excellence for its Green Port Policy. YICT was presented with an Environmental Protection Certificate from the Shenzhen Pengcheng Waste Reduction Steering Committee for its conscientious efforts to reduce waste and protect the environment.

YICT and the Port of Long Beach plan to convene their first joint delegation meeting during the Trans-Pacific Maritime Asia Conference, which is scheduled for September in Shenzhen.